Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Announces FDA Acceptance of sNDA for Setmelanotide in Acquired Hypothalamic Obesity
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:RYTM) announced significant regulatory progress for setmelanotide in treating acquired hypothalamic obesity. The FDA has accepted the company's sNDA with Priority Review, setting a PDUFA date of December 20, 2025. Additionally, the EMA validated the Type II variation submission for the same indication.
The applications are supported by the Phase 3 TRANSCEND trial results, which demonstrated a significant -19.8% placebo-adjusted reduction in BMI. The trial showed strong efficacy in both adult patients (-19.2% BMI reduction) and pediatric patients (-20.2% BMI reduction). Setmelanotide, already approved as IMCIVREE® for other rare genetic obesity conditions, was generally well-tolerated in the study.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:RYTM) ha annunciato importanti sviluppi regolatori per il trattamento dell'obesità ipotalamica acquisita con setmelanotide. La FDA ha accettato la sNDA dell'azienda con Priority Review, fissando la data PDUFA al 20 dicembre 2025. Inoltre, la EMA ha convalidato la variazione di Tipo II per la stessa indicazione.
Le domande sono supportate dai risultati del trial di Fase 3 TRANSCEND, che hanno mostrato una riduzione significativa del -19,8% del BMI corretta per placebo. L'efficacia è risultata marcata sia negli adulti (-19,2% di BMI) sia nei pazienti pediatrici (-20,2% di BMI). Setmelanotide, già approvato come IMCIVREE® per altre forme rare di obesità genetica, è stato generalmente ben tollerato nello studio.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:RYTM) anunció avances regulatorios importantes para el uso de setmelanotida en la obesidad hipotalámica adquirida. La FDA aceptó la sNDA de la compañía con Priority Review, estableciendo la fecha PDUFA para el 20 de diciembre de 2025. Además, la EMA validó la presentación de variación Tipo II para la misma indicación.
Las solicitudes se sustentan en los resultados del ensayo Fase 3 TRANSCEND, que mostraron una reducción significativa del -19,8% del IMC ajustado por placebo. El ensayo evidenció eficacia en adultos (-19,2% de IMC) y en pacientes pediátricos (-20,2% de IMC). Setmelanotida, ya aprobada como IMCIVREE® para otras formas raras de obesidad genética, fue en general bien tolerada en el estudio.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:RYTM)는 획득성 시상하부 비만 치료제 세트멜라노타이드와 관련해 중요한 규제 진전을 발표했습니다. FDA는 회사의 sNDA를 우선심사(Priority Review) 대상으로 수락했으며, PDUFA 기한을 2025년 12월 20일로 정했습니다. 또한 EMA는 동일 적응증에 대한 Type II 변경 제출을 검증했습니다.
이 신청들은 3상 TRANSCEND 임상시험 결과를 근거로 하고 있으며, 시험에서는 플라시보 보정 BMI -19.8%의 유의한 감소를 보였습니다. 성인 환자(BMI -19.2%)와 소아 환자(BMI -20.2%) 모두에서 강한 효능이 확인되었습니다. 세트멜라노타이드는 다른 희귀 유전성 비만 질환에 대해 이미 IMCIVREE®로 승인되어 있으며, 본 연구에서 전반적으로 잘 견디는 것으로 나타났습니다.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:RYTM) a annoncé des avancées réglementaires majeures pour le setmelanotide dans le traitement de l'obésité hypothalamique acquise. La FDA a accepté la sNDA de la société en Priority Review, fixant la date PDUFA au 20 décembre 2025. De plus, l'EMA a validé la soumission de variation de Type II pour la même indication.
Les dossiers s'appuient sur les résultats de l'essai de phase 3 TRANSCEND, qui ont montré une réduction significative du -19,8 % de l'IMC ajustée par rapport au placebo. L'essai a démontré une forte efficacité chez les adultes (-19,2 % d'IMC) et chez les patients pédiatriques (-20,2 % d'IMC). Le setmelanotide, déjà approuvé sous le nom IMCIVREE® pour d'autres formes rares d'obésité génétique, a été généralement bien toléré dans l'étude.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:RYTM) meldete bedeutende regulatorische Fortschritte für Setmelanotid zur Behandlung der erworbenen hypothalamischen Adipositas. Die FDA hat die sNDA des Unternehmens mit Priority Review angenommen und einen PDUFA-Termin für den 20. Dezember 2025 festgelegt. Zusätzlich hat die EMA die Typ-II-Variationsmeldung für dieselbe Indikation validiert.
Die Anträge stützen sich auf die Ergebnisse der Phase-3-Studie TRANSCEND, die eine signifikante -19,8% placebokorrigierte Verringerung des BMI zeigte. Die Studie belegt eine starke Wirksamkeit sowohl bei Erwachsenen (-19,2% BMI) als auch bei pädiatrischen Patienten (-20,2% BMI). Setmelanotid, bereits als IMCIVREE® für andere seltene genetische Adipositasformen zugelassen, wurde in der Studie insgesamt gut vertragen.
- FDA granted Priority Review status for setmelanotide sNDA
- Phase 3 TRANSCEND trial met primary endpoint with -19.8% placebo-adjusted BMI reduction
- Strong efficacy demonstrated in both adult (-19.2%) and pediatric (-20.2%) patients
- Potential first-ever approved treatment for acquired hypothalamic obesity
- Dual regulatory progress with both FDA and EMA acceptance
- Common adverse effects reported including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects
- Current treatment approaches for general obesity show limited long-term efficacy
Insights
FDA priority review for Rhythm's setmelanotide in hypothalamic obesity significantly accelerates potential approval timeline with strong Phase 3 data.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals has achieved a significant regulatory milestone with the FDA accepting their supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for setmelanotide with priority review status in acquired hypothalamic obesity. This designation, typically reserved for therapies addressing serious conditions with potential to provide significant improvement, shortens the review period from the standard 10 months to 6 months, with a PDUFA date of December 20, 2025.
The parallel acceptance by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) of their Type II variation submission creates a coordinated global regulatory pathway. These acceptances aren't merely procedural steps but strong indicators that regulators consider the application complete and the data package sufficient to warrant full review.
The supporting data from the Phase 3 TRANSCEND trial demonstrates exceptional efficacy, with treated patients achieving a -19.8% placebo-adjusted BMI reduction. The magnitude of this effect is particularly impressive considering that acquired hypothalamic obesity has historically been resistant to conventional weight management approaches. The safety profile appears manageable with primarily gastrointestinal side effects.
If approved by the December PDUFA date, setmelanotide would become the first FDA-approved treatment specifically for acquired hypothalamic obesity, addressing a high-unmet need population that currently lacks targeted therapeutic options. The priority review status acknowledges both the quality of the clinical data and the urgent medical need for these patients.
Setmelanotide shows unprecedented efficacy for hypothalamic obesity with ~20% BMI reduction across both adults and children in pivotal trial.
The clinical data from the TRANSCEND study represents a potential paradigm shift in managing acquired hypothalamic obesity, a condition previously resistant to conventional obesity interventions. The trial demonstrated a -16.5% BMI reduction in the treatment arm versus a +3.3% increase in the placebo group at 52 weeks, resulting in a -19.8% placebo-adjusted reduction (p<0.0001). This magnitude of weight loss is clinically meaningful and addresses the fundamental pathophysiology unique to this condition.
Particularly noteworthy is the consistent efficacy across both adult (-19.2% placebo-adjusted BMI reduction) and pediatric patients (-20.2% placebo-adjusted reduction). The pediatric response is especially significant, as young patients with hypothalamic obesity face severe developmental challenges and limited treatment options.
The mechanism of action explains the observed benefits—setmelanotide is a melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist that directly targets the impaired pathway in hypothalamic obesity. Unlike general obesity treatments, it addresses the specific dysregulation in energy expenditure and hunger signals caused by hypothalamic injury.
The safety profile shows primarily predictable adverse events including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, injection site reactions, skin hyperpigmentation and headache. These side effects align with setmelanotide's known profile in previously approved indications and appear manageable in the context of the substantial clinical benefit observed. This represents a major advance for patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity who currently have no targeted therapeutic options.
– U.S. Food and Drug Administration accepts sNDA for filing with priority review; sets PDUFA goal date of December 20, 2025 --
– European Medicines Agency accepts and validates submission for Type II variation MAA for setmelanotide to treat acquired hypothalamic obesity –
– Company to host “Commercial Readiness for Acquired Hypothalamic Obesity,” event for investors and analysts on Wednesday, September 24, in Boston –
BOSTON, Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RYTM), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming the lives of patients living with rare neuroendocrine diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for filing the company’s supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for setmelanotide seeking approval for the treatment of conditions associated with acquired hypothalamic obesity. The FDA has granted Priority Review of the sNDA and assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of December 20, 2025.
Additionally, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has confirmed validation of the Type II variation submission to the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for setmelanotide for the same indication. The application review began on August 16, 2025, by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), which will issue an opinion to the European Commission (EC) regarding potential approval.
Setmelanotide is a melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist, previously approved as IMCIVREE® by the FDA, the EMA, and UK’s Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for obesity due to Bardet-Biedl syndrome and POMC, PCSK1 or LEPR deficiencies.
“Taken together, these important milestones represent a crucial step in our urgent mission to bring forward the first approved treatment for patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity,” said David Meeker, M.D., Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Rhythm. “Treatment approaches indicated for general obesity offer limited long-term efficacy for patients living with acquired HO, who face unique challenges including reduced energy expenditure and increased hunger or hyperphagia specifically resulting from MC4R pathway impairment due to hypothalamic injury. We’re committed to working closely with regulators to make setmelanotide available to the patient community as quickly as possible.”
The sNDA and Type II Variation are supported by statistically significant and clinically meaningful data from the pivotal Phase 3 TRANSCEND trial of setmelanotide in 120 patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity. Topline results from TRANSCEND, the largest and longest randomized, placebo-controlled trial in acquired hypothalamic obesity to date, were presented in an oral session at the Endocrine Society’s Annual Meeting in April 2025. The global study met its primary endpoint, with a statistically significant -
Commercial Readiness for Acquired Hypothalamic Obesity
Rhythm will host “Commercial Readiness for Acquired Hypothalamic Obesity,” an event for investors and analysts on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET in Boston, MA to review U.S. launch plans. The event will also feature insights from leading physicians about the urgent need to treat patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity.
A live webcast of the event will be available under "Events and Presentations" in the Investor Relations section of the Rhythm Pharmaceuticals website at https://ir.rhythmtx.com/. The archived webcast will be available on Rhythm Pharmaceuticals’ website approximately two hours after the event and will be available for 30 days following the event.
About the Phase 3 TRANSCEND Trial
The global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 TRANSCEND trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of setmelanotide in patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity. A total of 120 patients aged 4 years and older were randomized 2:1 to either a daily subcutaneous injection of setmelanotide or placebo. The primary endpoint was mean percent change in body mass index (BMI) from baseline after 52 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints assessed daily hunger, hyperphagia (extreme unsatisfied drive to consume food), weight, quality of life, and safety and tolerability. A supplemental cohort of 12 Japanese patients remains ongoing with completion and topline data anticipated in the first quarter of 2026.
About Acquired Hypothalamic Obesity
Acquired hypothalamic obesity is a rare form of obesity that occurs following physical injury or structural abnormality of the hypothalamus with MC4R pathway disruption and other functional impairment. The MC4R pathway is responsible for controlling physiological functions such as energy expenditure, hunger and weight regulation. Acquired hypothalamic obesity most frequently follows the growth or treatment of craniopharyngioma, astrocytoma or other hypothalamic-pituitary tumors. Additional causes of injury may include traumatic brain injury, stroke or inflammation. Due to impairment of the MC4R pathway, patients experience reduced energy expenditure and increased hunger or hyperphagia, leading to accelerated and sustained weight gain most commonly beginning within six to 12 months following injury.
Rhythm estimates there are 5,000 to 10,000 people living with acquired hypothalamic obesity in the U.S. and 3,500 to 10,000 people living with acquired hypothalamic obesity in the EU.
About Rhythm Pharmaceuticals
Rhythm is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to transforming the lives of patients and their families living with rare neuroendocrine diseases. Rhythm’s lead asset, IMCIVREE® (setmelanotide), an MC4R agonist is approved by the FDA to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with syndromic or monogenic obesity due to Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) or genetically confirmed pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), deficiency or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency. Both the European Commission (EC) and the UK’s Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have authorized setmelanotide for the treatment of obesity and the control of hunger associated with genetically confirmed BBS or genetically confirmed loss-of-function biallelic POMC, including PCSK1, deficiency or biallelic LEPR deficiency in adults and children 2 years of age and above. Additionally, Rhythm is advancing a broad clinical development program for setmelanotide in other rare diseases, as well as investigational MC4R agonists bivamelagon and RM-718, and a preclinical suite of small molecules for the treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism. Rhythm’s headquarters is in Boston, MA.
Setmelanotide Indication
In the United States, setmelanotide is indicated to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with syndromic or monogenic obesity due to Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) or pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency as determined by an FDA-approved test demonstrating variants in POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR genes that are interpreted as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or of uncertain significance (VUS).
In the European Union and the United Kingdom, setmelanotide is indicated for the treatment of obesity and the control of hunger associated with genetically confirmed BBS or loss-of-function biallelic POMC, including PCSK1, deficiency or biallelic LEPR deficiency in adults and children 2 years of age and above. In the European Union and the United Kingdom, setmelanotide should be prescribed and supervised by a physician with expertise in obesity with underlying genetic etiology.
Limitations of Use
Setmelanotide is not indicated for the treatment of patients with the following conditions as setmelanotide would not be expected to be effective:
- Obesity due to suspected POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency with POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR variants classified as benign or likely benign
- Other types of obesity not related to BBS or POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency, including obesity associated with other genetic syndromes and general (polygenic) obesity
CONTRAINDICATION
Prior serious hypersensitivity to setmelanotide or any of the excipients in IMCIVREE. Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) have been reported.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Disturbance in Sexual Arousal: Spontaneous penile erections in males and sexual adverse reactions in females have occurred. Inform patients that these events may occur and instruct patients who have an erection lasting longer than 4 hours to seek emergency medical attention.
Depression and Suicidal Ideation: Depression, suicidal ideation and depressed mood have occurred. Monitor patients for new onset or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Consider discontinuing IMCIVREE if patients experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or clinically significant or persistent depression symptoms occur.
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) have been reported. If suspected, advise patients to promptly seek medical attention and discontinue IMCIVREE.
Skin Hyperpigmentation, Darkening of Pre-existing Nevi, and Development of New Melanocytic Nevi: Generalized or focal increases in skin pigmentation, darkening of pre-existing nevi, development of new melanocytic nevi and increase in size of existing melanocytic nevi have occurred. Perform a full body skin examination prior to initiation and periodically during treatment to monitor pre-existing and new pigmented lesions.
Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Benzyl Alcohol Preservative in Neonates and Low Birth Weight Infants: IMCIVREE is not approved for use in neonates or infants. Serious and fatal adverse reactions including “gasping syndrome” can occur in neonates and low birth weight infants treated with benzyl alcohol preserved drugs.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Treatment with IMCIVREE is not recommended when breastfeeding. Discontinue IMCIVREE when pregnancy is recognized unless the benefits of therapy outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Rhythm Pharmaceuticals at +1 (833) 789-6337 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. See section 4.8 of the Summary of Product Characteristics for information on reporting suspected adverse reactions in Europe.
Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.
About Rhythm Pharmaceuticals
Rhythm is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to transforming the lives of patients and their families living with rare neuroendocrine diseases. Rhythm’s lead asset, IMCIVREE® (setmelanotide), an MC4R agonist designed to treat hyperphagia and severe obesity, is approved by the FDA to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with syndromic or monogenic obesity due to Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) or genetically confirmed pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), deficiency or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency. Both the European Commission (EC) and the UK’s Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have authorized setmelanotide for the treatment of obesity and the control of hunger associated with genetically confirmed BBS or genetically confirmed loss-of-function biallelic POMC, including PCSK1, deficiency or biallelic LEPR deficiency in adults and children 2 years of age and above. Additionally, Rhythm is advancing a broad clinical development program for setmelanotide in other rare diseases, as well as investigational MC4R agonists bivamelagon and RM-718, and a preclinical suite of small molecules for the treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism. Rhythm’s headquarters is in Boston, MA.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding the safety, efficacy, potential benefits of, and clinical design or progress of any of our products or product candidates at any dosage or in any indication, including, setmelanotide; the potential use of setmelanotide in patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity; our expectations surrounding potential regulatory submissions, progress, or approvals and timing thereof for any of our product candidates, including the supplemental New Drug Application to the FDA and a Type II variation request to the EMA, the potential timeline for review by the FDA and the EMA, including the anticipated Priority Review of the sNDA and the assigned Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of December 20, 2025; the estimated market size and addressable population for our drug products, including setmelanotide for the treatment of hypothalamic obesity; our presentations and participation in future events, including the “Commercial Readiness for Acquired Hypothalamic Obesity” event to be held in Boston and webcast on September 24, 2025 and the timing of any of the foregoing. Statements using words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “may”, “will” and similar terms are also forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, our ability to enroll patients in clinical trials, the design and outcome of clinical trials, the impact of competition, the ability to achieve or obtain necessary regulatory approvals, risks associated with data analysis and reporting, unfavorable pricing regulations, third-party reimbursement practices or healthcare reform initiatives, risks associated with the laws and regulations governing our international operations and the costs of any related compliance programs, our ability to successfully commercialize setmelanotide, our liquidity and expenses, our ability to retain our key employees and consultants, and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, and general economic conditions, and the other important factors, including those discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in Rhythm’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligations to make any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Corporate Contact:
David Connolly
Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
dconnolly@rhythmtx.com
Media Contact:
Layne Litsinger
Real Chemistry
llitsinger@realchemistry.com
FAQ
When is the FDA PDUFA date for Rhythm Pharmaceuticals' setmelanotide for hypothalamic obesity?
What were the results of RYTM's Phase 3 TRANSCEND trial for setmelanotide?
What are the main side effects of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals' setmelanotide?
How many patients participated in Rhythm Pharmaceuticals' TRANSCEND trial?
What other conditions is Rhythm Pharmaceuticals' setmelanotide (IMCIVREE) already approved for?
